Strong storms cause damage in Jackson

April 02, 2006

JACKSON, Mich. (AP) -- Strong thunderstorms that swept across the state left uprooted trees and downed power lines in their wake, and several residents reported seeing a funnel cloud in Jackson County. The storms Friday night brought hail as well as high winds to parts of the state, and a 12-year-old boy suffered a broken arm while trying to close a barn door in Jackson County, the National Weather Service said. A message was left Saturday seeking details on the extent of power outages. Paul Fleming was at his Jackson-area home when the sky turned gray. He said rain was followed by high winds. "The trees started coming toward us and we dove out of the way," Fleming told The Jackson Citizen Patriot. Several residents reported seeing a funnel cloud, the newspaper reported, and officials activated tornado sirens. Damage from the storm in Jackson County was reported in an area about seven miles long, with small barns knocked down and houses sustaining damage from flying debris, the newspaper said. The weather service planned to survey Jackson County to determine whether damage was caused by a tornado. The weather service said Saturday it hadn't determined the strength of the damaging winds.